Method and apparatus for construction of an arch

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for construction of an arch is disclosed, having at least one nailing strip or centering element that cooperates with an arch façade assembly to produce an arch. The nailing strip defines a tongue. The arch façade assembly defines a groove. The tongue of the nailing strip matingly engages the groove of the arch façade assembly to be optimally positioned within the opening in which the arch is to be constructed. The façade assembly is secured to the nailing strip to produce at least a portion of the arch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to building construction methods and devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus to form an arch or create an arched opening in a manner that is fast, accurate and produces an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The invention includes a nailing strip that, in conjunction with other elements, facilitates application of the invention to multiple framing environments, including wood, metal and concrete. The nailing strip centers the arch regardless of constant radius, elliptical design or other shapes or configuration. The present invention therefore provides a method and apparatus for framing an arch in various construction environments, including residential, commercial, exterior, interior and other construction applications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The use of arches in building construction is well known. In both residential and commercial settings, an arch doorway, window or other opening adds significantly to the aesthetic quality of the structure. While admittedly desirable, the construction of arched openings has traditionally been a time-consuming project that is, at least in significant part, dependent upon the skill and experience of the builder. In this process, a framer would typically determine the dimensions of the arch to be constructed, measure and cut structural support pieces necessary to frame the opening to the desired dimension, and mount those pieces into place to form an arch or arched opening. The framer would, for example, cut pieces of plywood in accordance with the framed opening, in accordance with previously determined dimensions, and secure the cut plywood pieces to the supporting structural pieces. Obviously, repeating this process for multiple openings, whether doors, windows or otherwise, is a time-consuming process.

As a result of the skill and time taken to produce such constructions, especially in the residential environment, many arches were poorly built. Many framers had not built a sufficient number of arches to acquire the necessary expertise. Further, the realities of the construction process and environment may and have complicated this process. For example, the opening may not be true, or off-center, or unevenly framed such that the arch support pieces must be adjusted to provide a proper construction. Such realities complicate the framing operation, which can add to the difficulties of an inexperienced framer.

There have been several attempts in the art to address these difficulties. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,917 to Mossoro et al. describes an arch perform and method of constructing an arched passageway. The structure includes two substantially identical panels that define the arch, and a third panel that extends between the arcuate edges of the other two panels. The invention is particularly applicable to drywall construction and, as described and claimed, comprises a unitary perform. As a result, while well-suited for this application, the invention may be limited in other environments due to a need for flexibility or use in non-drywall applications.

Another prior art reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,183 to Hampton, discloses a prefabricated archway that may be sized to fit various framed openings. The invention is described in terms of two full prefabricated archways and form half archways. Two prefabricated half archways may be used in non-standard sized frame openings to increase the width of the arch. The described archway is unitary and defines hollow sections. The archway is installed by nailing through the curved sections into the studs, wall and header, that define the opening. As with other prior art devices, use of this invention may be limited to the specific environment disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,666 to Hampton discloses and describes a prefabricated archway that is nailed in place directly to the wall and header studs. The archway is made by injection molding and removed from the mold with drywall paper permanently bonded on its exterior surfaces. The drywall paper allows for excellent adhesion of drywall taping compound to the archway. The archway is disclosed in two full prefabricated archways or four half archways. As with the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,138, use of this invention may be limited to the specific described environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,168 discloses and describes a mounting structure for arcuate window frames that is designed to be inserted within an existing wall structure. The outer edge of the mounting structure interfaces with the window frame. The inner edge of the mounting structure is pressed flush against the inner edges of the wall studs. The arcuate frame is formed by multiple wood laminates that may be preformed for use by the framer. The invention is particularly applicable to new building construction, but may be retrofit to existing construction. The invention is readily used to form an arched structure that may be inserted behind an exteriorly mounted window frame to fill in the area between the window frame and the interior drywall.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,618 to Thomas discloses and describes a cased-arch opening kit and method of installation. The kit includes a pair of generally u-shaped side columns that are suited for insertion around the terminal edge of a wall, and a curved arch assembly. The curved arch assembly is designed to be sandwiched around the upper wall board that overlies the opening. The curved arch is supported by the generally u-shaped side columns. All three components are secured to the wall structure surrounding the passageway. Thus, the invention described and claimed creates not only an arched opening, but an entire casing of the opening. The invention may be limited to applications where a complete casing of a doorway or similar opening is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,405 to Hicks discloses and describes a method and system for use in forming arched openings. In concrete block construction, the invention contemplates use of a pre-cast and reinforced concrete monolithic header and arched opening. For wood frame construction, and more particularly for non-load-bearing wood frame construction, a lightweight header element may be set within the wall opening so that the top of the arch is substantially horizontal with and slightly below the top of the opening. In the case of wood frame construction where load-bearing capacity is desired, a lintel and arch filler could be formed of stronger materials. The wood-frame apparatus includes laterally downwardly depending appendages. The block construction apparatus includes lower lateral appendages on either side of the arched opening that are supported by the upper surface of the black wall. The disclosed invention thus potentially eliminates for post and beam type headers with an on-side built wooden arch.

These and other prior art devices and methods each address the need for ready and accurate formation of an arched opening. Even so, there remains a need in the art for a method and apparatus that is readily adapted to various construction environments, and that is readily used by framers of all skill levels. Further, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method that provides for centering discrete pieces of an arch to insure that the finished product is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Yet further, there is need in the art for an apparatus and method that is flexible in implementation, allowing the framer to adopt the arch to the rigors of various every day construction environments. Thus, the need exists regardless of the type of arch, including semi-circular, equilateral, ogee, tudor or otherwise.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills the above-described needs, and other needs in the prior art, by providing a method and apparatus for constructing an arch. The present invention may be provided in two symmetrical arch assemblies that, in combination with at least one nailing strip, provide a structurally enhanced and aesthetically pleasing arched opening. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is easily adapted to various construction environments, and provides the framer with various options in terms of set-up, attachment and final construction. The present invention further includes a centering element or nailing strip that can be used in block, wood frame or other forms of construction, to properly mount and align the arch assemblies to produce the desired end product. The present invention further provides separate yet mating arch assemblies that cooperate to form an arched opening.

Generally described, the present invention comprises at least one nailing strip, and an arch section assembly configured for operative attachment to the nailing strip.

Described somewhat more particularly, the present invention includes a first such assembly comprising a first nailing strip, a second nailing strip and an arch framing assembly. The first nailing strip comprises a raised section immediately adjacent to a mitered edge. The second nailing strip comprises a raised section immediately adjacent to a mitered edge. The arch framing assembly includes two planar arch sections separated one from the other and connected in a substantially parallel configuration to create the forward and rear façade of the final arch construction, the separation of the planar arch sections being configured for mating engagement with the arch attachment sections of the first and second nailing strips.

In practice of the method of the present invention, an assembly is secured to the frame of an opening. A first nailing strip is secured at the uppermost portion of a wall stud at the desired location of the arch. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that the mitered edge portion of the first nailing strip is positioned at the uppermost end of the first nailing strip. A second nailing strip is then secured to the header of the opening at a substantially right angle to the first nailing strip. Once the two nailing strips are so positioned, the arch façade assembly is secured to the first and second nailing strips to secure the assembly. This operation is performed by placement of the two planar arch sections over the raised tongues of the first and second nailing strips to secure the façade. Once the arch framing or façade assembly is positioned, it may be secured by nail, glue, screw or any suitable means to form the arched opening. The raised tongue sections of the first and second nailing strips receive the attachment device (e.g., nail, screw, glue or other) to secure the arch as desired within the opening. This operation may be repeated for a second mating arch assembly to create the arched opening.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch that can be utilized by a framer of any skill to construct a suitably supported and aesthetically pleasing arch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch that is readily and quickly adapted to various construction environments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch that may be readily fit with insulation to provide enhanced construction to a certain wall.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch that may be installed in conjunction with existing framing element, such as windows, regardless of the manufacturer of such existing frame element.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for constructing an arch that provides lateral resistance to a wind load, thereby enhancing the structural soundness of both the arch and the wall within which the arch is constructed.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a doorway including an arch constructed according to the apparatus and method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an arch section embodying the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of an arch section embodying the method and apparatus of the present method.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an assembled arch section embodying the method and apparatus of the present method.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view showing the arch of the present invention as fitted within a doorway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus of the present invention is referred to in the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, generally at 10. As will be seen, the invention may be employed in exterior or interior construction, residential or commercial settings, and in a variety of environments. For purposes of description only, and not to limit the invention, the invention is described in terms of residential housing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wall 12 includes and defines a frame 16 which provides a substantially rectangular opening 17 of any dimension. The frame 16 is formed with a pair of vertical studs 18, 19 and a header 22. In conventional manner, drywall panels 24 and 25 cover the vertical studs 18, 19 and header 22 to form the wall 12. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing is traditional in nature and well-known, thus demonstrating the flexibility of the present invention to existing construction. The present invention is also, of course, suitable for new construction. Those of ordinary skill will further appreciate that the configuration of the arched opening is adaptable to the present invention. Thus, the described invention is suited for use with various arch designs such as semicircular, equilateral, ogee, and tudor configurations, to name but a few.

Referring in yet more detail to FIG. 1, an arch 10 according to the present invention is shown. It is to be understood that the arch 10 is preferably comprised of two arch assembles 30, 31. The assemblies 30, 31 are substantially identical in construction. Thus, for convenience and without limitation, the following description of arch assembly 30 shall constitute a disclosure of corresponding arch assembly 31.

Referring to FIG. 2, the arch assembly 30 of the present invention 10 is shown with a first nailing strip (or centering element) 35, a second nailing strip 40, and an arch framing façade assembly 50 comprised of a first face 52, a back face 54, and the face mount 56. It is to be understood that the nailing strips 35 and 40 are substantially identical in construction. Accordingly, only one nailing strip 35, will be described in detail herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the designation nailing strip is used for convenience, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring in detail to FIGS. 2-4, nailing strip 35 has a first edge 70 of a leading mitered surface 72. The mitered surface 72 is preferably provided in a T-shaped configuration with a lower section 72L, an upper section 72U, and an edge 76 opposing first edge 70. The nailing strip 35 further includes a raised portion 77 defined by a top surface 80, a side surface 81 and another side surface 82. It will be appreciated that the raised section 77 is defined by indented portion on either side thereof. The dimensions of the indented portion is defined by surfaces 84 and 85 which, as described below, cooperate with the arch face mount 56 to accomplish the present invention. It will be appreciated that the raised section 77 tapers at its trailing portion to a rear edge 88. It is to be understood that the raised section 77 is of sufficient dimension to receive a nail, screw or any other suitable fastening device to achieve the method and apparatus of the present invention. Thus, it is to be understood that each of the nailing strips 35 and 40 define a raised section 77 that includes a mitered surface 72, and a pair of opposing indented portions recesses defined in part by surfaces 84 and 85, and a trailing feathered surface 88.

Referring further to FIGS. 2-4, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a face plate mount 56 that includes a front arch panel 90, a substantially identical rear panel 92 and a mount assembly 94 disposed between front panels 90 a and rear panel 92 a. The front panel 90 a is preferably formed of a sheet material such as plywood. Front panel 90 a is defined by side edges 96 and 97 and an accurate edge 98. Similarly, rear panel 92 is defined by side edges 99 and 100 and arcuate edge 101.

The face mount assembly 56 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. The mount 56 includes two legs 104 and 105 that are connected to or integrally formed with arcuate section 94. The legs 104, 105 and arcuate section 94 are dimensioned to be substantially equal with the raised portion 77 of centering element 35. The person of ordinary skill will appreciate that panels 90 and 92 are secured to the arch face mount assembly 56 to support the panels 90 and 92 as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

In practice of the present invention, the framer uses the nailing strips 35 and 40 and the arch face mount assembly 56 as follows. The nailing strip 35 is nailed or otherwise secured to the left wall stud 18 at the point of the stud's intersection with the header 22. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the nailing strip 35 is placed against and secured to the uppermost portion of the left stud 18. Further, the framer secures centering elements 40 to the header 22 by use of nails, screws or any other suitable device. The person of ordinary skill will appreciate that the mitered edges 72 of nailing strips 35 and 40 are positioned to engage and do engage the mitered edges 72. In this fashion, the nailing strips are secured to the studs 18, 19 and the header 22 in such a fashion as to provide raised or extending tongues 77. To further practice of the preferred embodiment, the face mount assembly 56 is attached to nailing strips 35, 40. The raised tongue 77 of centering elements 35, 40 rests between panels 90 and 92 to form one half of the arch as shown in FIG. 1. This attachment may be completed in any suitable manner, whether by nails, screws, glue or any other suitable means.

The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the arch assembly 31 may be constructed in an identical manner so that the remaining half of the arch 10 is perfected, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the arch assembly 31 includes a front face 90 and a rear face 92 secured opposite arch assembly 30 with the frame 16. It should be understood that the panels 90 and 92, and the face mount assemblies 56, of arch assemblies 30 and 31, preferably include feathered or diminishing surfaces so as to utilize the frame 16 as a part of the arch 10. Thus, for example, at the position indicated by arrow 120 in FIG. 1, the header 22 facilitates a consistent arch having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This arrangement provides a special and unique flexibility for the framer, as the installation of one half 30 of the arch 10 can be performed independently of the other half 31.

The dimension of the arch 10 is dictated only by the dimensions of the frame 16 that defines the rough opening. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any particular size or configuration of rough opening. As seen above, the raised portion 77 of the nailing strips 35 and 40 are readily configured to facilitate application of the present invention to openings and passageways of various dimension. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention has application to not only constant radius or semicircular openings, but also to elliptical openings and other geometric shapes since the nailing strips 35 and 40 may be configured as necessary to match the shape of a given opening. Conventional construction employs standard passageways of 36 inch, 48 inch, 60 inch or 72 inch. Of course, as stated above, the present invention is not limited to any particular rough opening. Thus, by altering the arcuate portion 40 of the arch assembly, arch assemblies of varying configuration may be readily constructed for 36 inch, 48 inch, 60 inch or 72 inch wide passageways. The invention 10 may be installed using a variety of different tools or suitable other devices. For example, the arch assembly may be formed using nails, screws, glue or other fasteners. Once configured, the arch assembly may be placed and secured to the nailing strips using any suitable mechanism, including nails, screws, glue or otherwise. Of course, as the dimension or shape of the opening changes, the dimension of the nailing strips 35 and 40 and the façade assembly 50 changes accordingly. So, if the opening is elliptical, the nailing strips 35 and 40 are configured to fit the dimension of the elliptical opening. Such dimensional changes are considered to be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill, and need not be disclosed in further detail herein.

It will be appreciated that proper positioning of the invention 10 is ascertained when the lowermost ends of the arch assemblies engage the sides of the passageway and the mid-point of the arch is to be ultimately centered at the uppermost portion of the opening or passageway. To accomplish this, the arch component (such as 90) is constructed to terminate slightly before the center of the opening or passageway so that the builder is not required to alter the rough opening that may be required by the manufacturer of accompanying door or window framing. The radius created by the arch may be construed as that the two halves taper to nothing at this centerpoint. However, since the frames cannot typically achieve this perfect taper of both halves, stopping the arch component 90 just short of the centerline allows the device to be used even in an opening that may be narrowly constructed. Such a construction also insures the integrity of the arch elements, insuring that none are too fine or small for handling, slipping, etc. Thus, the preferred taper reaches to approximately one-quarter of an inch (¼ ″) to minimize any damage during shipping and handling. If the wall portions are properly framed, the arch assembly will be relatively easily fit to the proper position. However, because such framing elements as the wall studs 18, 19 and the header 22 are often out of alignment or the rough opening is out of square, manipulation of the arch assemblies on the centering element tongues 77 allows for the resulting arch 10 to be fit appropriately within the passageway 17.

It is thus seen that the present invention provides an efficient and economical method and apparatus for the construction of an arch. Accordingly, the invention meets the objects described above. While the preferred embodiments of this invention have been set forth for the purposes of disclosure, including the best mode of practicing the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments may be made and practiced within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. An arch assembly for the construction of an arched opening, said invention comprising: at least one nailing strip defining a tongue; and an arch façade assembly comprising a front arch panel and a rear arch panel and a mount to which said front and rear arch panels are secured in such a manner as to define at least one groove, whereby said arch façade assembly may be secured to said nailing strip by means of said tongue and said groove to create a portion of an arch construction.
 2. The arch assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one other nailing strip and at least one other arch façade assembly comprising a front arch panel and a rear arch panel and a mount to which said other front and rear arch panels are secured so as to define at least one groove, whereby said other arch façade assembly may be secured to said other nailing strip by means of said tongue and said groove to create a remaining portion of an arch construction.
 3. The arch assembly of claim 2 wherein at least one of said mount or said other mount are configured for receipt of insulation.
 4. A method for constructing an arched opening, comprising: providing a first nailing strip having a raised tongue portion; providing a second nailing strip having a raised tongue portion; providing an arch façade assembly defining a groove between a front arch panel and a rear arch panel; securing said first nailing strip to an opening frame member at the location where an arch is to be constructed; securing said second nailing strip to another opening frame member at the location where an arch is to be constructed; positioning, by means of said raised tongues of said first and second nailing strips and said groove defined between said front arch panel and said rear arch panel of said façade assembly, said arch façade assembly within the opening in which said arch is to be constructed; and securing said arch façade assembly to said nailing strips, whereby an arch is constructed within the opening, said arch exterior being defined by said front arch panel and said rear arch panel. 